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A great Itinerary for first timers in Japan. The three main cities, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto (yes, this is where EVERYONE goes but there is a reason for this).
Published 25 Jul 2026
The highlights of our trip were definitely; Shibuya (Tokyo), Electric biking round Mount Fuji, Nara deer park and the Samurai Experience in Kyoto. You will absolutely need two weeks to do this trip - if you can have a few more days then try and fit in Hiroshima (its something we would have loved to do but didn't have time) There are so many beautiful things to do and see in Japan - the most important thing you will need to do is Stop. Look around you, and take it ALL IN! Because those two weeks go heartbreakingly quickly!
4 overnight bases · 2 day trips
Day trip from Osaka-shi
Day trip from Tokyo
Activity
Mount Fuji - day trip
This is a MUST! We had a lovely day trip here from Tokyo - there are just a few things to note before you go. Get there as early as you can and get the bus to Fujikawaguchiko. You can rent bikes here and cycle round the lake, getting amazing views of MT Fuji as you go round. Cycle to Chureito Pagoda as this is one of the best view points of the Mt
Activity
Team Lab Planets
Not very cultural but a fun activity to do, especially if its your first day and you're jet lagged or its raining or something. A very sensory, indoor experience, with cool lights and different rooms to explore. Some of the rooms you would have your shoes off going up a ramp in the dark with rushing water. If you're big kids like us you will love it.
Culture
Nara Deer Park
An absolute MUST day trip. This was one of my favourite parts of Japan. It's such a peaceful park and having the deer there is just an added bonus. The Kasugataisha shrine was so beautiful. You make your way to this shrine as soon as you get there and the walk up is something I can't quite explain. It's around a half an hour to 40 mins walk depending on how many photos you take on the way! As you go, you will see tori gates and stone lanterns, all the while the deer are following you and weaving in and out of the trees. One of the coolest and spiritual experiences (I'm not a massively spiritual person!) Another thing to note is not to feed the deer that are right at the start of the park where you will buy the food - it's so much quieter as you keep going through the park!
Activity
Universal Studios Osaka
I loved this day. It's not for everyone and I know it's not that 'cultural' so you can skip this one however, Universal Japan is rated the top Universal in the world so I would't skip it! Just bare in mind to get your tickets at least a month if not two in advance AND a fast pass is highly recommended as you will get guaranteed entry into Super Mario world. Such a cool day and so worth it. Just make sure you get there super early - if you can, an hour before opening, as people will already be queuing to get in.
Activity
Samurai Experience
This activity was SO fun and again, one of our favourites. It was about £88 so a bit more on the spenny side but I would definitely recommend. This was around a three hour activity we did in Kyoto where you get trained by a REAL samurai and get to live out your Mulan dreams.
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